Paulo Dybala made a significant impact by scoring twice in a span of just four minutes, helping Roma secure a 3-2 victory over Porto and advance to the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday.
Dybala’s return from a knee injury, sustained during the first-leg match, was pivotal as Roma triumphed with a 4-3 aggregate score.

Porto initially took the lead in the match due to Samu’s impressive acrobatic volley, pushing them ahead to a 2-1 aggregate. However, Dybala quickly turned the tide by netting an equalizer in the 35th minute, executing a left-footed shot that found the far post. His second goal followed shortly after, skillfully directed into the near post from within the penalty area.

Things took a turn for Porto when Stephen Eustáquio received a red card just six minutes into the second half, significantly diminishing their chances. Shortly after, substitute Niccolò Pisilli extended Roma’s lead by scoring the third goal. The match concluded with an own goal from Devyne Rensch in stoppage time, sealing the victory for Roma.

The Italian club, who clinched the Conference League title in 2022, is set to face either Lazio or Bilbao in the next round.

Alkmaar also progressed, drawing 2-2 against Galatasaray, which allowed the Dutch side to advance with a commanding 6-3 aggregate score.

Key contributions came from Seiya Maikuma and Denso Kasius, while Victor Osimhen found the net for the Istanbul team. Roland Sallai added the equalizer for Galatasaray, but it wasn’t enough to secure their advancement.

Alkmaar will next compete against either Manchester United or Tottenham in the upcoming rounds.

In another matchup, Romania’s FCSB triumphed over PAOK 2-0, progressing with a 4-1 aggregate score.

Meanwhile, an exhilarating clash unfolded between Bodø/Glimt and Twente, leading to extra time after three goals were scored in stoppage time. The hosts had initially been leading 3-2 after suffering a 2-1 defeat in the first leg.

As the excitement continues, four additional teams will advance later that evening.